My driver-side headlight has gone out in my beautiful baby (2004 Acura TSX). I don't feel like getting raped in the ass by greedy salesmen at the dealership so I discovered that I need a replacement HID D2S bulb for this model...in any case I'm banking on the probability that this is a simple bulb problem and not something deeper.

Anyway I've found two potential replacements: one a Sylvania bulb that has been reviewed on Ebay to my satisfaction, and one a Kenshun bulb with absolutely no reviews. Both ads purport to be HID D2S bulbs, so presumably both would fit in my baby. But the Kenshun bulb is 10 dollars less even when including shipping, albeit with no reviews and no way for me to determine whether or not the bulb fits in my car.

Ad 1, Sylvania: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00265FXFY

Ad 2, Kenshun: http://www.amazon.com/Kensun-Xenon-4.../dp/B0032YXB70

Am I wrong, and the Kenshun bulb doesn't even fit in my car? Is it weaker somehow?

I know ten bucks sounds like a trifle but there's really no reason to spend more for the same thing, unless the "same thing" has an added benefit that I just can't see. So I'd like to probe experienced minds to see if they can discern some sort of difference between the two bulbs. Either way one of these bulbs is going into a professional's hands, so as long as the thing fits and is of decent quality I'm cool with it.

Thanks in advance! Any help is appreciated!

 

If you want to see if it's the bulb, change out the nonworking one for the other. If you're willing to try, it's not that difficult to change out the bulb. You would need a Torx security tool which can be had for little money.
Keep in mind it's a very good idea to change out both bulbs at the same time. Reason - HID output deteriorates over time. Typical lifespan for a HID bulb is about 3000hrs.
One of our forum sponsors sells HID replacement bulbs for $100/pair.

$36 for a pair of Kenshun bulbs is one heck of a price for HID bulbs. I don't know about that brand, but at that price

What's the light output on the Sylvania?

 

You definitely have a point about replacing both now, I'll have to look into that deal you mentioned here.

Yeah, the fact that the Kenshun ad is for a PAIR and not just for a single entices me. Who cares if it's weaker? It's such a great price! My only question would be, is the workmanship inferior? I'd have to assume yes!

To answer your question though...The Kenshun ad mentions: "At "Kensun" we provide the best quality, and for a reasonable price, HID give you more light output up to 3 times more when compared to standard halogen bulbs."

Similarly, the Sylvania ad makes the claim: "HID uses less energy than halogen lighting, while producing 3 times more light"

So if I take both ads at face-value, I have to assume that the wattage is roughly equal. But, again, there are no reviews for this Kenshun bullshit, and the very low price seems dubious to me. Eh...

 

Of course HID light output is brighter than Halogen, while using less energy. Our stock bulbs burn at 4300K, uses 35W.